Page 35 of From the Start

She motions to the room. “Do you not see where we are? I can barely handle my life as it is.”

“It’s not your fault your dad fell.”

“I should have hidden the lawnmower.”

“Lawnmower?”

“Dad didn’t ‘approve’ of the neighbor kid’s mowing and decided to handle the task himself.”

“With one working arm and a cane?”

“Told you he was stubborn.”

“It’s still not your fault he was injured.”

She blows out a breath. “I feel responsible.”

“You can’t be responsible for everything and everyone.”

“Oh yeah? Watch me.”

I drain my coffee and gather our mugs before standing. “Come on, my little responsible slugger. Let’s go bust your dad out of the hospital.”

“Responsible and slugger don’t go together,” she says as she follows me.

I raise a brow. “Really? Have you looked in the mirror lately?” I point at her. “Responsible slugger.”

“I need to buy you a dictionary.”

“Good idea. I need a doorstop.”

She shakes her head but her lips are turned up and there’s no longer brackets around her eyes. She might not realize it yet, but I’m good for her. I can be her distraction when she needs one.

I can be a whole lot more.

Patience, Kai. Patience. I’ve chiseled a crack into the ice surrounding Harper’s heart. I’ll keep chiseling until it breaks wide open and she lets me in. She’s worth the effort.

Chapter 11

“I got this.” ~ Harper

Harper

“Idon’t need your help,” I tell Kai for the millionth time.

He smiles at me, and I ignore how my stomach warms in response. Don’t you dare sprout butterflies now, stomach, or we will no longer be friends.

“Your chariot awaits, Daddy Poole.” He bows to my dad, and my dad? He actually chuckles.

“I don’t need a wheelchair,” he grumbles but there’s less anger in his voice than when I usually try to get him into a wheelchair.

“Sorry, daddy-o. It’s a hospital policy. Trust me. I know. I’m a regular here.” He winks and Dad settles himself in the wheelchair without any further complaints. What the hell? Is Kai a miracle worker?

Kai wheels Dad toward the exit, and I rush to follow them. “Wait. Our ride isn’t here yet.”

Kai motions to a large SUV. “Your ride has arrived.”

“You don’t have to drive us home. I can order a ride from the ride-share app.”